By JOHN SCHWARTZ
AUGUST 18, 2015
A little-noted portion of the chain of pipelines and equipment that brings natural gas from the field into power plants and homes is responsible for a surprising amount of methane emissions, according to a study published on Tuesday.

Natural-gas gathering facilities, which collect from multiple wells, lose about 100 billion cubic feet of natural gas a year, about eight times as much as estimates used by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the study, which appeared in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

The newly discovered leaks, if counted in the E.P.A. inventory, would increase its entire systemwide estimate by about 25 percent, said the Environmental Defense Fund, which sponsored the research as part of methane emissions studies it organized.

I don't know if I know anyone out here who makes 100k and doesn't work at least 12hrs per day and earned their positions. Of those that work 12hrs a day two guys on location barely make that and work 7/7 and are supervisors, two more work 14/14 and are THE bosses here, and the other four of us work around 300 days a year 12hrs a day. That's out of about 25 people on location.

I've been out here a long time and have yet to see someone make 100k year to "work a few hours a day and have more days off then the rest of us". If they do I highly doubt that person didn't hurt their bodies getting into that position.

We operate a gas plant in the barnett shale and I work with a couple senior operators who clear 100K and the schedule we work we only work half the year. But, I guess midstream work is different than upstream stuff.

We operate a gas plant in the barnett shale and I work with a couple senior operators who clear 100K and the schedule we work we only work half the year. But, I guess midstream work is different than upstream stuff.

It's different work but those that clear it have worked their way into that. Half the year working 12hrs a day is still quite a bit and more than 40hrs a week all year.

It's different work but those that clear it have worked their way into that. Half the year working 12hrs a day is still quite a bit and more than 40hrs a week all year.

Yes sir, that's what I meant to put. Our senior guy ( he trained me) has 40 years in the industry and the other has 20+. So, it's completely understandable when you see those guys make the big bucks because they're the ones trouble shooting the issues most of the time.

By JOHN SCHWARTZ
AUGUST 18, 2015
A little-noted portion of the chain of pipelines and equipment that brings natural gas from the field into power plants and homes is responsible for a surprising amount of methane emissions, according to a study published on Tuesday.

Natural-gas gathering facilities, which collect from multiple wells, lose about 100 billion cubic feet of natural gas a year, about eight times as much as estimates used by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the study, which appeared in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

The newly discovered leaks, if counted in the E.P.A. inventory, would increase its entire systemwide estimate by about 25 percent, said the Environmental Defense Fund, which sponsored the research as part of methane emissions studies it organized.

More at the link.

that's a crock... "leaks" and "emissions" are totally different. emission calculations are typically so over estimated under the fear of an actual release, and pending litigation from the EPA, the vast majority of operators give a huge buffer to prevent issues with regulatory agencies.

By JOHN SCHWARTZ
AUGUST 18, 2015
A little-noted portion of the chain of pipelines and equipment that brings natural gas from the field into power plants and homes is responsible for a surprising amount of methane emissions, according to a study published on Tuesday.

Natural-gas gathering facilities, which collect from multiple wells, lose about 100 billion cubic feet of natural gas a year, about eight times as much as estimates used by the Environmental Protection Agency, according to the study, which appeared in the journal Environmental Science & Technology.

The newly discovered leaks, if counted in the E.P.A. inventory, would increase its entire systemwide estimate by about 25 percent, said the Environmental Defense Fund, which sponsored the research as part of methane emissions studies it organized.

More at the link.

Man they just won't let this one go, roughly 20 yrs. ago we had to go through our systems from the wellhead through the processing system to the sales point measuring or guesstimating gas leakage from every connection and possible release point for those jokers.

I'll go out on a limb and say the majority of the 6 figure salaries in the industry with decent schedules and lots of time off are on the paper pushing side of things in an office, not sweating/freezing their rearends off.

I'll go out on a limb and say the majority of the 6 figure salaries in the industry with decent schedules and lots of time off are on the paper pushing side of things in an office, not sweating/freezing their rearends off.

I wouldn't bet too hard. I also wouldn't worry so much about what others make any try to find your own way to do it. The opportunities are there. Especially when we start coming out of this slump. The possibilities will be endless for those willing to go get it.

I wouldn't bet too hard. I also wouldn't worry so much about what others make any try to find your own way to do it. The opportunities are there. Especially when we start coming out of this slump. The possibilities will be endless for those willing to go get it.

Not really worried about it, just making a statement based on what I see in terms of schedule/difficulty.

Kicker to what you posted is when are we coming out of this slump? And following that is, with some companies using this time to increase storage and transport capabilities, how long will the next slump be?

By the way for the people who obviously don't know much about the industry, the vast majority of guys will start in the 50k/yr range. Only those that stick with it will ever make much more unless they time it right during a boom and even then the lack of experience won't keep them around come bust. Many won't hit 100k for 5-6 years and then the BIG money is usually at least 10yrs in. That takes hard work and good luck those jobs aren't aren't just laying there waiting for a swinging **** to walk up and fill the spot

There are also guys who make a lot with low hourly wage because they work so many hrs it would make me sick and I work a lot of hrs a year haha

By the way for the people who obviously don't know much about the industry, the vast majority of guys will start in the 50k/yr range. Only those that stick with it will ever make much more unless they time it right during a boom and even then the lack of experience won't keep them around come bust. Many won't hit 100k for 5-6 years and then the BIG money is usually at least 10yrs in. That takes hard work and good luck those jobs aren't aren't just laying there waiting for a swinging **** to walk up and fill the spot

There are also guys who make a lot with low hourly wage because they work so many hrs it would make me sick and I work a lot of hrs a year haha

Very true statement here folks. I have a base of 50 plus service bonus. And service means being gone a lot. I do well for myself but I work and don't complain about having to work. Maybe why I still have a job. Idk. Just saying.

We are getting a few orders here and there but this month is looking to be our worst since the price drop. Im just gonna pray that when i am gone for 2 weeks moose hunting next month that something happens and the turn around starts..

We are getting a few orders here and there but this month is looking to be our worst since the price drop. Im just gonna pray that when i am gone for 2 weeks moose hunting next month that something happens and the turn around starts..

Hope it picks up for you also. I'm having to travel to different places and longer distances from the house but I'm still busy so far. Being literally on a rig I know that can change overnight though

110 hours per year difference, about 2 hours per week, isn't that much.

I worked the 7/7 or 14/14 route for 12 years. To someone who is ignorant of the reality of the job, your numbers would look correct, but they aren't. Every company I worked for had a 30min pre tour meeting. Nabors and H&P have a 30min post your meeting. At least once a week you have a RSMT Meetinf, that one is an hour. You also have quarterly compliance training and there's so much of that it's crazy. If you work 14/14 it works out to 2-5 days of meetings on your days off that are anywhere from 8-12hrs a day, every 2nd or 3rd days off.

Then you move up to driller... You still have all of those meetings, but I always went in about 15min earlier to get paper work lined out for the guys and catch up on what happened on my 12hrs off. Every 2 years you get to go to a 4 day well control class. When you make relief you'll do hand overs with your relief for anywhere from 15min to an hour depending on the situation.

Then one day you move up to Toolpusher. Your day starts at 4am. You prepare the meetings that will take place at 5:30. Go over e mails that came through while you were napping. Review reports and have the driller fix this or that. About the time that gets fixed the CoMan calls and wants it changed back. Reports sent off at 5:30, lead the safety meeting and if you're really lucky you'll have about an hour to take a shower and eat breakfast. Your day is going to end around 11pm. IF operations are going smooth. I've been on the rig floor for as much as 3 consecutive days without sleep. At the end of day 2, you're 8hrs into a "normal" job's overtime.

When I went directional drilling, it was still pretty similar. There's always new operations and things to be learned. I probably averaged 14-16hrs a day, and worked around 25 days a month.

All that is to show that your math isn't really spot on.

There's guys that say things like, "I only do about 2hrs of work a day." What they're saying is, they've busted their nuts for a lifetime to get where they are and only do about 2hrs of physical labor a day. I've done both. I worked my way from the wormiest Floorhand you ever saw to a good tool pusher and a pretty fair directional driller. I've seen both sides of the quarter and I'll take the physical labor over the mental labor EVERY SINGLE TIME.

I worked the 7/7 or 14/14 route for 12 years. To someone who is ignorant of the reality of the job, your numbers would look correct, but they aren't. Every company I worked for had a 30min pre tour meeting. Nabors and H&P have a 30min post your meeting. At least once a week you have a RSMT Meetinf, that one is an hour. You also have quarterly compliance training and there's so much of that it's crazy. If you work 14/14 it works out to 2-5 days of meetings on your days off that are anywhere from 8-12hrs a day, every 2nd or 3rd days off.

Then you move up to driller... You still have all of those meetings, but I always went in about 15min earlier to get paper work lined out for the guys and catch up on what happened on my 12hrs off. Every 2 years you get to go to a 4 day well control class. When you make relief you'll do hand overs with your relief for anywhere from 15min to an hour depending on the situation.

Then one day you move up to Toolpusher. Your day starts at 4am. You prepare the meetings that will take place at 5:30. Go over e mails that came through while you were napping. Review reports and have the driller fix this or that. About the time that gets fixed the CoMan calls and wants it changed back. Reports sent off at 5:30, lead the safety meeting and if you're really lucky you'll have about an hour to take a shower and eat breakfast. Your day is going to end around 11pm. IF operations are going smooth. I've been on the rig floor for as much as 3 consecutive days without sleep. At the end of day 2, you're 8hrs into a "normal" job's overtime.

When I went directional drilling, it was still pretty similar. There's always new operations and things to be learned. I probably averaged 14-16hrs a day, and worked around 25 days a month.

All that is to show that your math isn't really spot on.

There's guys that say things like, "I only do about 2hrs of work a day." What they're saying is, they've busted their nuts for a lifetime to get where they are and only do about 2hrs of physical labor a day. I've done both. I worked my way from the wormiest Floorhand you ever saw to a good tool pusher and a pretty fair directional driller. I've seen both sides of the quarter and I'll take the physical labor over the mental labor EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Right on jooger! And not to mention, you can't count them as 12 hr days, you have to count them as 24 hr days because you're AT WORK! And away from your family then entire 7-14 days....or in my case right now, 4-5 weeks (till the well is done).

110 hours per year difference, about 2 hours per week, isn't that much.

That 110hrs equals almost 14 8 hour days, so a regular 8 hour employee working a normal Mon-Fri schedule would have to work 7 days a week from January 1st to the end of February to make up the difference.

I worked the 7/7 or 14/14 route for 12 years. To someone who is ignorant of the reality of the job, your numbers would look correct, but they aren't. Every company I worked for had a 30min pre tour meeting. Nabors and H&P have a 30min post your meeting. At least once a week you have a RSMT Meetinf, that one is an hour. You also have quarterly compliance training and there's so much of that it's crazy. If you work 14/14 it works out to 2-5 days of meetings on your days off that are anywhere from 8-12hrs a day, every 2nd or 3rd days off.

Then you move up to driller... You still have all of those meetings, but I always went in about 15min earlier to get paper work lined out for the guys and catch up on what happened on my 12hrs off. Every 2 years you get to go to a 4 day well control class. When you make relief you'll do hand overs with your relief for anywhere from 15min to an hour depending on the situation.

Then one day you move up to Toolpusher. Your day starts at 4am. You prepare the meetings that will take place at 5:30. Go over e mails that came through while you were napping. Review reports and have the driller fix this or that. About the time that gets fixed the CoMan calls and wants it changed back. Reports sent off at 5:30, lead the safety meeting and if you're really lucky you'll have about an hour to take a shower and eat breakfast. Your day is going to end around 11pm. IF operations are going smooth. I've been on the rig floor for as much as 3 consecutive days without sleep. At the end of day 2, you're 8hrs into a "normal" job's overtime.

When I went directional drilling, it was still pretty similar. There's always new operations and things to be learned. I probably averaged 14-16hrs a day, and worked around 25 days a month.

All that is to show that your math isn't really spot on.

There's guys that say things like, "I only do about 2hrs of work a day." What they're saying is, they've busted their nuts for a lifetime to get where they are and only do about 2hrs of physical labor a day. I've done both. I worked my way from the wormiest Floorhand you ever saw to a good tool pusher and a pretty fair directional driller. I've seen both sides of the quarter and I'll take the physical labor over the mental labor EVERY SINGLE TIME.

So are you saying all of those meetings, etc are unpaid time?

Quote:

Originally Posted by steven

That 110hrs equals almost 14 8 hour days, so a regular 8 hour employee working a normal Mon-Fri schedule would have to work 7 days a week from January 1st to the end of February to make up the difference.

Sounds like a little more that way don't it?

Or you could also say that working half the year would be the same as working from 7 days/week from January 1 to June 30.
Both would be a irrelevant comparison.

Plus, you're getting paid for those extra 110 hours. It's not like you're working then for free.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BowOnly81

Right on jooger! And not to mention, you can't count them as 12 hr days, you have to count them as 24 hr days because you're AT WORK! And away from your family then entire 7-14 days....or in my case right now, 4-5 weeks (till the well is done).

Firefighters, military, and plenty of other jobs do the same.

And you CHOSE to do it.

I'm not trying to knock the oilfield.
Just quit trying to illicit sympathy for a time consuming job that you chose to do and are paid well to do it.

Or you could also say that working half the year would be the same as working from 7 days/week from January 1 to June 30.
Both would be a irrelevant comparison.

Plus, you're getting paid for those extra 110 hours. It's not like you're working then for free.

Firefighters, military, and plenty of other jobs do the same.

And you CHOSE to do it.

I'm not trying to knock the oilfield.
Just quit trying to illicit sympathy for a time consuming job that you chose to do and are paid well to do it.

What does any of this have to do with what was talked about?

Yea some of those meeting and things are not paid but some are. They were simply pointing out the hours actually put in from experience. Also nobody here wanted sympathy for being gone. Believe it or not we realize we chose this and are ok with it.

Or you could also say that working half the year would be the same as working from 7 days/week from January 1 to June 30.
Both would be a irrelevant comparison.

Plus, you're getting paid for those extra 110 hours. It's not like you're working then for free.

Firefighters, military, and plenty of other jobs do the same.

And you CHOSE to do it.

I'm not trying to knock the oilfield.
Just quit trying to illicit sympathy for a time consuming job that you chose to do and are paid well to do it.

You win now go away!

I hope you industry stays strong and you continue to be successful brother! In the mean time all of us that chose to be in the oil and gas industry will continue to pray that this thing turns around and we can find common ground where everyone wins and everyone can make a living!

Yea some of those meeting and things are not paid but some are. They were simply pointing out the hours actually put in from experience. Also nobody here wanted sympathy for being gone. Believe it or not we realize we chose this and are ok with it.

Someone made the statement that working half the year at 12hr days was a lot more hours than a "normal" 40 hour week.

Stating the actual hours worked(overtime), is irrelevant.
Many jobs have extensive overtime in addition to the stated hours.
The oilfield is not unique in that aspect.
That was my point.
I was attacked for introducing some facts. I apologize for that.

Someone made the statement that working half the year at 12hr days was a lot more hours than a "normal" 40 hour week.

Stating the actual hours worked(overtime), is irrelevant.
Many jobs have extensive overtime in addition to the stated hours.
The oilfield is not unique in that aspect.
That was my point.
I was attacked for introducing some facts. I apologize for that.

It's different work but those that clear it have worked their way into that. Half the year working 12hrs a day is still quite a bit and more than 40hrs a week all year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by denowt

Someone made the statement that working half the year at 12hr days was a lot more hours than a "normal" 40 hour week.

Stating the actual hours worked(overtime), is irrelevant.
Many jobs have extensive overtime in addition to the stated hours.
The oilfield is not unique in that aspect.
That was my point.
I was attacked for introducing some facts. I apologize for that.

Good deal brother!!! Save up so you can go south of the border with Dean on the new place! It's amazing!

Why would anyone want to "save" up for a hunting trip, south of the border, when they don't have a job? I am not trying to stir the pot, by any means, but I am curious about that. I can see where some people (not me) would relate this to "oil guys make all that money and spend it on luxuries, then get upset with oil prices drop and they have nothing left". To me, that money that I saved up, when I don't have a job, should be spent on things that support my family, as opposed to a hunting trip? Just trying to justify it, in my simple mind, and was hoping someone could help me out with that, and provide me a way to see another point of view.

why would anyone want to "save" up for a hunting trip, south of the border, when they don't have a job? I am not trying to stir the pot, by any means, but i am curious about that. I can see where some people (not me) would relate this to "oil guys make all that money and spend it on luxuries, then get upset with oil prices drop and they have nothing left". To me, that money that i saved up, when i don't have a job, should be spent on things that support my family, as opposed to a hunting trip? Just trying to justify it, in my simple mind, and was hoping someone could help me out with that, and provide me a way to see another point of view.

Why are you shaking your head? I was just curious. Do you have an answer anywhere in your shaking head or do you just want to chastise me, for a real question, coming from a person that does not know about the oil field?

Why would anyone want to "save" up for a hunting trip, south of the border, when they don't have a job? I am not trying to stir the pot, by any means, but I am curious about that. I can see where some people (not me) would relate this to "oil guys make all that money and spend it on luxuries, then get upset with oil prices drop and they have nothing left". To me, that money that I saved up, when I don't have a job, should be spent on things that support my family, as opposed to a hunting trip? Just trying to justify it, in my simple mind, and was hoping someone could help me out with that, and provide me a way to see another point of view.

Why would anyone want to "save" up for a hunting trip, south of the border, when they don't have a job? I am not trying to stir the pot, by any means, but I am curious about that. I can see where some people (not me) would relate this to "oil guys make all that money and spend it on luxuries, then get upset with oil prices drop and they have nothing left". To me, that money that I saved up, when I don't have a job, should be spent on things that support my family, as opposed to a hunting trip? Just trying to justify it, in my simple mind, and was hoping someone could help me out with that, and provide me a way to see another point of view.

Quote:

Originally Posted by COACH_EM_UP

Why are you shaking your head? I was just curious. Do you have an answer anywhere in your shaking head or do you just want to chastise me, for a real question, coming from a person that does not know about the oil field?

He has a job and a **** good one! I appreciate your input but maybe you should go "coach yourself up" on reading brother!!!! Thanks for your contribution to this thread.......

Save up so you too could one day take a hunting trip! I'm sure you deserve it!

Edit.........
Also do a little research on the guy you are talking about....... He's the one that started this thread encouraging people to save up as he has done to be prepared for days like this!!! As I have..... He's been through these down turns and was trying to give advise in advance to those that have not!

Why would anyone want to "save" up for a hunting trip, south of the border, when they don't have a job? I am not trying to stir the pot, by any means, but I am curious about that. I can see where some people (not me) would relate this to "oil guys make all that money and spend it on luxuries, then get upset with oil prices drop and they have nothing left". To me, that money that I saved up, when I don't have a job, should be spent on things that support my family, as opposed to a hunting trip? Just trying to justify it, in my simple mind, and was hoping someone could help me out with that, and provide me a way to see another point of view.

No worries.. I am still working and should be unless things get so nasty the whole drilling side completely shuts down. In the case that happens I will be just fine also. My family comes first just like anyone else who has their **** straight

These guys know a little more about me than you is all it is

By the way even when it's booming I "save up" seperate from regular accounts for big trips

I worked the 7/7 or 14/14 route for 12 years. To someone who is ignorant of the reality of the job, your numbers would look correct, but they aren't. Every company I worked for had a 30min pre tour meeting. Nabors and H&P have a 30min post your meeting. At least once a week you have a RSMT Meetinf, that one is an hour. You also have quarterly compliance training and there's so much of that it's crazy. If you work 14/14 it works out to 2-5 days of meetings on your days off that are anywhere from 8-12hrs a day, every 2nd or 3rd days off.

Then you move up to driller... You still have all of those meetings, but I always went in about 15min earlier to get paper work lined out for the guys and catch up on what happened on my 12hrs off. Every 2 years you get to go to a 4 day well control class. When you make relief you'll do hand overs with your relief for anywhere from 15min to an hour depending on the situation.

Then one day you move up to Toolpusher. Your day starts at 4am. You prepare the meetings that will take place at 5:30. Go over e mails that came through while you were napping. Review reports and have the driller fix this or that. About the time that gets fixed the CoMan calls and wants it changed back. Reports sent off at 5:30, lead the safety meeting and if you're really lucky you'll have about an hour to take a shower and eat breakfast. Your day is going to end around 11pm. IF operations are going smooth. I've been on the rig floor for as much as 3 consecutive days without sleep. At the end of day 2, you're 8hrs into a "normal" job's overtime.

When I went directional drilling, it was still pretty similar. There's always new operations and things to be learned. I probably averaged 14-16hrs a day, and worked around 25 days a month.

All that is to show that your math isn't really spot on.

There's guys that say things like, "I only do about 2hrs of work a day." What they're saying is, they've busted their nuts for a lifetime to get where they are and only do about 2hrs of physical labor a day. I've done both. I worked my way from the wormiest Floorhand you ever saw to a good tool pusher and a pretty fair directional driller. I've seen both sides of the quarter and I'll take the physical labor over the mental labor EVERY SINGLE TIME.

Thanks for the informed reply. Its funny how all who have responded say it takes decades of work, or extreme luck to make 6 fig salaries, working ungodly hours, yet previously in the thread folks were sharing about 250-400k salaries were common for 20-30 something year olds who are out buying all sorts of toys...kinda conflicting information; all i know is i will keep my indoor a/c office desk job @ 40hrs a week thanks, work a little on the side and enjoy life with family.